2015 Skoda Fabia 1.2L Petrol · OW15 EHB

The 2015 Skoda Fabia presents a mixed maintenance picture. On 20 June 2025 at 46,105 miles, the vehicle failed its MOT for two tyres with cuts deep enough to expose the ply or cords, a serious defect that demands immediate replacement. The retest on the same day at the same mileage passed, confirming the tyres were replaced promptly. However, the tester also flagged worn rear trailing arm bushes on both sides at that June 2025 test. This advisory was present on both the failed and passed entries, meaning it was noted but not rectified. Combined with a deteriorating front number plate that has appeared on consecutive tests, the record suggests a pattern of minor neglect rather than serious mechanical failure. The overall trend is stable but not improving, as small cosmetic and suspension items are being left unaddressed. The mileage accumulation tells a clear story. Between 23 June 2023 at 34,961 miles and 6 June 2024 at 40,641 miles, the car covered 5,680 miles in under a year. Then between 6 June 2024 and 20 June 2025 at 46,105 miles, it added another 5,464 miles. This is a consistent annual rate of roughly 5,500 miles, which is moderate rather than the low figure the headline average suggests. The car has not been sitting idle. It has been driven regularly, and the MOT record shows continuous annual testing without gaps, which is a positive indicator of ongoing legal compliance. The recurring tyre defect is the most concerning pattern. A cut reaching the ply or cords on the nearside rear tyre appeared in June 2023, June 2024, and again in June 2025. Each time the tyre was either replaced or repaired, but the defect keeps returning on the same corner. This points to a possible underlying cause such as a misaligned tracking setup, a damaged wheel rim, or a suspension geometry issue causing abnormal tyre loading. The worn rear trailing arm bushes flagged in 2025 could be contributing to this. A buyer should have the rear suspension and axle alignment inspected thoroughly, checking the condition of both trailing arm bushes and the rear subframe mounting points. Beyond the suspension, the deteriorating front registration plate is a minor but persistent fault that has appeared on two consecutive tests. It is cosmetic and unlikely to cause a retest failure, but it reflects a general pattern of deferred minor maintenance. The coolant level noted at minimum in June 2024 was not flagged again in 2025, suggesting it was topped up, though a buyer should verify there is no underlying leak or consumption issue. Overall, the Fabia appears fundamentally sound with no structural corrosion, brake, or emissions failures on record. The key risk is the unresolved rear suspension wear and the recurring tyre damage, both of which warrant a focused mechanical inspection before purchase.